Forum will offer help to noncustodial parents

Augusta Chronicle - 5/28/2018

May 28--As the president of the local Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter, Charles Myler finds himself living off of the fraternity's four core principles.

"Those cardinal principles are manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift," he said Thursday.

It is the "uplift" that pushed the group to work with the state's Department of Human Services' Division of Child Support Services to create a forum designed to help noncustodial parents, specifically fathers.

The June 2 "Fatherhood Conversation" forum aims to help noncustodial parents get information about the Fatherhood Program and additional services they might need to provide for their children.

As part of the discussion, Department of Human Services representatives will share information about the Fatherhood Program and answer questions. Attendees will also learn about job training and educational opportunities offered by the department.

"This is all about focusing on the fathers and to some extent the mothers who have fallen behind in their child support because of a significant emergency, which could be a loss of a job or loss of income," Myler said. "But the real focus is on the kids, and helping them to progress and to achieve. So that is why we're involved not only in Augusta but all over the state."

The forum will be the second held by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in Georgia this year. An event held in Columbus, Ga., on March 17 drew 150 attendees, a turnout that pleased Marvin Broadwater Sr., the fraternity's state representative.

"The success is measured by creating the opportunity for a father to reconnect and become an integral part of their child's life," he said in an email Thursday.

Army veteran Nekia McDonald, of Augusta, has participated in the program since 2016 and said it was very beneficial after he became underemployed.

"Initially I really didn't know what to expect, but I went through it and it was actually good," said McDonald, who has a 13-year-old son. "I just know that his needs are being met and he has those securities, as far as finances, there."

Myler hopes the forum provides more opportunities for noncustodial residents "to improve their livelihood."

"It's our responsibility to make them aware that this program exists, and it could be a positive impact not only on their lives and their children's lives but also the community," he said. "With this forum they can learn about the program so they can take advantage of it and possibly obtain skills that will enable them to take on a new job, or pursue an education, if they don't have an education background."

___

Visit The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.) at chronicle.augusta.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.